FROM AROUND THE STATE

ISSUE 1   May 4, 2000

CRUCIFER FLEA BEETLES INCREASING IN CANOLA:
    Flea beetles have increased this week with the warmer temperatures, and will continue over the
next several weeks. Some reports are starting to come in from flea beetles damaging canola in the
seedling stage either dormant or spring seeded. With populations increasing, scouting is a must. Sticky
yellow traps are useful to indicate relative trends in populations, but not for economic thresholds. Field
scouting is necessary to determine if fields are at the economic threshold level – 25% foliar damage.
For trap monitoring, traps should be located about 120 ft. in the field and about 6 inches above the
crop canopy (or above the soil). Attach traps to stakes with two binder clips (size small). Traps should
be counted for flea beetles and changed biweekly or more frequently if time permits. Traps can be
obtained from general suppliers like PheroTech (1-800-655-0076), Great Lakes IPM (517-268-5693
or -5911), or Gemplers (1-800-382-8473). Trapping guidelines are available from J. Knodel
(701 857-7682) if interested.

Janet J. Knodel
Area Extension Specialist Crop Protection
North Central Research and Extension Center
Minot, ND

South-Central ND

    The area discussed in this report includes the southern counties of Sargent westward to Emmons
to the northern boundary of Eddy to Sheridan counties.

    Total rainfall as recorded at NDAWN sites in south-central ND during April 25 to May 1 ranged
from 0.18 inches at Harvey to 1.71 inches at Linton. Soil conditions generally are satisfactory, although
topsoil moisture is becoming limited in some areas for germination of small-seeded crops including
canola and flax. Considerably more land is being cultivated this year due to the favorable soil moisture
conditions compared to recent past years.

    Excellent planting progress was made during the past week. In general, south of I-94 at least 75% of
small grain, canola, and flax acreage has been planted. Also, substantial corn acres have been planted.
Soybean planting is beginning and will be a general field activity next week. In the northern parts of this
region, small grain and cool-season oilseed planting ranges from 30 to 85% complete. Also, corn planting
is underway.

    The region’s alfalfa and winter cereal crops look excellent. Emerged small grain fields appear in good
condition. Some wild oat spraying will begin soon in wheat. Most reports regarding dormant
seeded-canola are disappointing as stands generally are sparse and erratic.

    Grower calls commonly received include stand establishment and nutritional needs of flax and canola.
Selected weekly crop production topics, called ‘Ag Alerts’, can be found at the NDSU Carrington
Research Extension Center’s website location: www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/carringt/agalerts/archive.htm

Greg Endres
Area Extension Specialist/Cropping Systems
NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center
gendres@ndsuext.nodak.edu

Northeast ND

    Very little rain the last ten days. Field work is general with dry soils an ongoing concern. Tillage is
aggravating seedbed dryness. Growers with fertilizer and chemical application completed in the fall of
1999 are able to better conserve seedbed moisture which is vital for small seeded oilseeds. Fifty percent
of flax and canola are seeded with emphasis changing to small grains and corn.

    Most current seedings of Flax and Canola are in a dry seedbed. Rain will be needed to ensure an
adequate stand. Some growers have stopped seeding Flax and Canola due to dry seedbeds.

    Economic levels of flea beetle was reported Tuesday in a Canola field near Minnewaukan.

    Wild oat, volunteer grain and sunflower and kochia are emerging. Proper seeding depth is a concern
of many growers.

Terry Gregoire
Area Extension Specialist/Cropping
tgregoir@ndsuext.nodak.edu